Vikram Solanki very impressed with GT’s level of performance, specially the likes of Shubman Gill and Siraj.
Vikram Solanki believes Gill has “lots to learn” as a skipper, but he is developing and has shown “quite brilliant” qualities.
Gujarat Titans (GT) finished seventh in 2024 after winning the IPL in their debut season in 2022 and placing second the following year. After Hardik Pandya was moved to the Mumbai Indians last year, GT was captained by Shubman Gill and only won five of their fourteen games. Gill has led GT to twice as many victories in half as many games this time. With ten points after seven IPL 2025 games, GT leads the table.
“The connections that he’s formed with his bowling group – we saw that last year actually. He’s grown into the role from one game to the next,” Solanki said ahead of GT’s next fixture, against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Monday. “He’s sort of developing as a captain – developing his captaincy style – which is very good to see…”
“He’s got quite an experienced bowling attack to lean on as well, which is obviously very helpful. But he continues to go from strength to strength as far as his captaincy is concerned.”
The fast Mohammed Siraj, who has taken 11 wickets in seven games this season, is one of the bowlers Gill has at his disposal. After being dropped by India for the Champions Trophy right before the IPL, he has regained his form and is now GT’s joint second-highest wicket-taker to date. The “big influence” that GT’s head coach Ashish Nehra has had on Siraj was emphasised by Solanki.
“They obviously have a very good connection, but I don’t want, for a second, to take away from all of the hard work that Siraj has done also,” Solanki said. “Of course, he has all of the support of all of the coaches, and there is no doubt that Ashish has been a big influence. But we must also acknowledge the work that Siraj has done and respect that.”
“It just seems as though we’ve got a guy that has something to prove,” Solanki said of Siraj. “I’m sure he was disappointed, but he’s channelled that disappointment in working hard, and, I suppose, having a real thought about what he wants to do. He’s got a great coach in Ashish Nehra helping him as far as his performance is concerned. Long may that connection continue and long may Siraj continue to thrive.”